My first visit to the radiologist was 2 days after my last chemo. To be honest, I don't remember much that was said. I did warn Dr. G that I was still suffering from chemo brain and would not remember a lot. I still don't. The first few visits involved getting marked up for the nuking. They (the nukers) take magic markers and draw all over the area to be nuked. You have to be very careful to not wash off these marks. It is not easy taking a shower and not being able to wash your chest.
They put me on a stretcher/table with a "form" under me. This form molded to my back and head. Every day when I go I get on the table, on my "form" and they touch up my marks. You have to lie with your hands over your head. They then adjust me and leave the room. I am guessing they don't want any part of getting nuked. Then this REALLY BIG machine goes over head to my side. Then the nuking starts. All you hear is the noise it makes as it goes into your body. Then the machine adjusts again and you get nuked again. THEN, it goes over your head and to the other side. You get nuked twice on that side. You can't feel or see the radiation. But, believe me, after a couple of weeks, your skin feels it. It is like a really bad sunburn. But they give you some lotion to use and it does help. This goes on every day, Monday through Friday.
THEN, after a few weeks, I had a ct scan, and a new form was made. This one requires that I become a contortionist. I have to lie on my side with my left arm stretched out over my head. They then lower the machine until it almost touching you. They are nuking the area where the cancer was located. I do this for 6 more times. Then I am finished - with cancer and all that it entails. To be honest, the radiation is a cake walk compared to chemo. You are just tired - but nothing like chemo tired. I am mostly tired of having to get up and drive into Myrtle Beach every day - it takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes one way. I will not miss that drive.
The people at the nuking place are really nice and all the techs are so sweet. I don't know if I will write much more after this, but if anyone out there needs someone to talk to about this, please don't hesitate to call on me. I will do anything I can to help you. God bless each and every one of you who have been with me through all this. Thank you for your encouragement, kind words and most of all, your love.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The End of Plan Nine from Murrells Inlet
Slack, slack, slack. That is what I am. I have not written in months. I just feel so good and have so much to do. My last three rounds of chemo were mostly uneventful. I still had the tiredness two days after but I am finally finished with it. HOORAY!!!!! I thought this day would never come. When you are going through chemo, it seems like you will never be "normal" again. I was beginning to doubt my energy would ever return. To anyone reading this that is going through chemo, there is an end to it and you will recover. My hair is growing with a vengence. Unfortunately, so are the hairs on my chin, legs, etc. But that is ok. At least I have hair now. And eyebrows and even eyelashes!!!! It was a long, uphill battle, but I believe I have won. God was with me every step of the way and I could not have endured this without knowing that. Cancer has given me a new outlook on life, and, unfortunately, even less patience with all the pettiness that people give so much importance to in their lives. At the end of the day, you are alive, healthly and surrounded by people who love you. All the rest is so unimportant. I had no patience to begin with, and now I have even less. But only with people who are so self involved and only care about themselves - I could just scream. So, know that cancer is just a bump in the road of your life and with God on your side you will beat it. All that is left is radiation, or as I like to call it, getting nuked.
Remember, eat well, even if it is a protein shake. Protein helps your body to heal. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. They want to do something to help you. And most important, RULE #1 - DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. RULE #2, IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF.
Remember, eat well, even if it is a protein shake. Protein helps your body to heal. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family. They want to do something to help you. And most important, RULE #1 - DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. RULE #2, IT'S ALL SMALL STUFF.
Monday, March 1, 2010
ROUND 6 OF PLAN NINE FROM MURRELLS INLET
Okay, I know I have been slack on keeping ya'll up to date. The truth is, I FEEL GREAT!!!!!!!
I had to have another MUGA scan (say muga 3 times really fast). This time, it turned out great. I did not have chemo for about 6 weeks due to the burns on my hands and feet. So, my heart is back to normal. AND, another plus to the burns, I am now on a new chemo - one that is not as strong. Okay, I will admit everything. My doctor said my body could not stand the really strong (we are going to try and kill you with this) chemo. So, she put me on this chemo that she usually uses for her elderly patients. I know what you are thinking so stop it. I am not elderly - she meant 80-90 year olds - so there!!
Today I have my second round of this new chemo. I felt so good the last time that I tried to do everything I could not do - clean house, put up new blinds, etc. Boy was I in for a surprise. I might feel great, but my body is still being assaulted by the poison and it let me know. I have to lay down a lot. I mean, a lot. I am still not used to not being able to do all the things I used to do. I feel so good that I forget that I don't have the energy or stamina I had before.
I went to work tonight and had to leave early. The chemo brain set in and so did the tiredness. I am truly blessed to be working for one of my best friends, Trina. She has been so great to me through all this. And everyone at the Chive Blossom has been so understanding and helpful. They even let me play the cancer card. Of course, they call me on it everytime.
Oh - I almost forgot. My hair is coming back. It is the brillo pad chemo hair, but it is hair. Unfortunately, the chin hairs are coming back too. That is just not fair. And thanks to my cancer killer for recommending tea tree oil, my nails are growing and not coming off.
So, it you find yourself with cancer, use that on your nails day and night. You can get it at Sallys. Also, before you start your chemo treatments, go to the store and buy protein powder, fruits and veggies. That way you can make protein shakes with the fruit and veggies for when you don't feel like cooking (which was most of the time when they were trying to kill me). I bought some great frozen fruit (without syrup, etc) at Sam's. I tell you this because I did not do that then. Most days when I felt bad I just had ramen noodles with an egg because I really did not care to cook and really didn't want to eat. And a lot of bad bad drive in food. So, don't do that.
I have to share this with you - my friend, Cindy Sellers Jenerette, donated one of her kidneys to her ex-husband. Both are doing great. Jerry is doing better than Cindy and the Docs at MUSC are elated because the kidney is working great. They are following their progress on the MUSC web site. She is on Utube. I told her when Oprah calls I am going too!!!!! She is an angel and has been there for me through all this. So, keep them in your prayers.
I love you all. God has been so good to me.
I had to have another MUGA scan (say muga 3 times really fast). This time, it turned out great. I did not have chemo for about 6 weeks due to the burns on my hands and feet. So, my heart is back to normal. AND, another plus to the burns, I am now on a new chemo - one that is not as strong. Okay, I will admit everything. My doctor said my body could not stand the really strong (we are going to try and kill you with this) chemo. So, she put me on this chemo that she usually uses for her elderly patients. I know what you are thinking so stop it. I am not elderly - she meant 80-90 year olds - so there!!
Today I have my second round of this new chemo. I felt so good the last time that I tried to do everything I could not do - clean house, put up new blinds, etc. Boy was I in for a surprise. I might feel great, but my body is still being assaulted by the poison and it let me know. I have to lay down a lot. I mean, a lot. I am still not used to not being able to do all the things I used to do. I feel so good that I forget that I don't have the energy or stamina I had before.
I went to work tonight and had to leave early. The chemo brain set in and so did the tiredness. I am truly blessed to be working for one of my best friends, Trina. She has been so great to me through all this. And everyone at the Chive Blossom has been so understanding and helpful. They even let me play the cancer card. Of course, they call me on it everytime.
Oh - I almost forgot. My hair is coming back. It is the brillo pad chemo hair, but it is hair. Unfortunately, the chin hairs are coming back too. That is just not fair. And thanks to my cancer killer for recommending tea tree oil, my nails are growing and not coming off.
So, it you find yourself with cancer, use that on your nails day and night. You can get it at Sallys. Also, before you start your chemo treatments, go to the store and buy protein powder, fruits and veggies. That way you can make protein shakes with the fruit and veggies for when you don't feel like cooking (which was most of the time when they were trying to kill me). I bought some great frozen fruit (without syrup, etc) at Sam's. I tell you this because I did not do that then. Most days when I felt bad I just had ramen noodles with an egg because I really did not care to cook and really didn't want to eat. And a lot of bad bad drive in food. So, don't do that.
I have to share this with you - my friend, Cindy Sellers Jenerette, donated one of her kidneys to her ex-husband. Both are doing great. Jerry is doing better than Cindy and the Docs at MUSC are elated because the kidney is working great. They are following their progress on the MUSC web site. She is on Utube. I told her when Oprah calls I am going too!!!!! She is an angel and has been there for me through all this. So, keep them in your prayers.
I love you all. God has been so good to me.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
FRIENDS
Thank you for being my friend. This blog is dedicated to all of you who have called, visited, prayed, brought food, money, etc. for me. I could not go through this without you. And, of course, God. My faith gets me through this. But my friends make it so much easier. I have been blessed by so many good friends. And, to be honest, a really good ex-husband. He and his wife have been so wonderful. I would try and list you all here, but am afraid I would forget someone and don't want to do that.
So, all of you, and you know who you are, please know that I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. You don't have to call every day. I know that you are there if and when I need you.
Thank you and I hope that I can do the same for each and every one of you. I am here for you also. And, when this is all over, we will celebrate with a big feast at the house. You all know how I love to cook for you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. And God bless each of you.
So, all of you, and you know who you are, please know that I love you and appreciate all that you do for me. You don't have to call every day. I know that you are there if and when I need you.
Thank you and I hope that I can do the same for each and every one of you. I am here for you also. And, when this is all over, we will celebrate with a big feast at the house. You all know how I love to cook for you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. And God bless each of you.
BURN BABY BURN
Okay, so I was a big cry baby in my last post. But, guess what? The pain in my feet was caused by burns. My hands and feet had 3rd degree burns. It seems that my body cannot tolerate the taxotere chemo. My friend, Trina, bought some cream for me to put on my hands and feet. It really helped. In a few days, I woke up to blisters on my hands and fingers. The cream that Trina gave me helped because the blisters were all dried when they appeared. For the next couple of weeks my hands looked like I had leprosy. Imagine putting your hands in a pot of scalding water. That is what it felt like. At least when they started peeling the pain was gone. When I went for my next round of chemo the cancer killer decided to wait another week to give my hands a chance to heal. But guess what? By the time I went for the follow-up and chemo my feet had started to peel. So, once again chemo was postponed. I have to call on Monday and let them know how my feet are doing and then have chemo scheduled for the next week. I am bummed about all this because it only stretches out the treatment. But, on the bright side, I feel great and will have another 2 weeks of feeling great.
My cancer killer and I discussed doing another chemo. This is one she uses on her "elderly" patients. She said it was not the best for the type of cancer I have. But, my body evidently does not like the taxotere and she said I would experience the burns every time I have it. So, I have decided to not do the taxotere and go with the old people chemo. I don't care if I have to have additional treatments. I am not going through this every time I have chemo. I have to work and cannot do it if I look like a leper.
On a brighter note, my sister, Camille, came to visit me last weekend. I felt pretty good except for the leprosy thing. She even went with me to the doctor.
Then, because I did not have chemo and felt good, Darya and the girls came to see me this past weekend. Talk about great therapy. Little Salym is walking now and so cute. Her sisters, Sydney and Savannah, spoil her. But you just can't help yourself she is so cute. Sydney, who is 11, and two of her friends are writing a book. I will keep you posted on it. Savannah is still the cutest cheerleader you ever saw. We had a great visit. We even had a dinner party Sunday night for some friends. Some of Darya's friends from school. They still come to the house and hang out. I love it!!!!!!
Darya went to the doctor with me on Monday. She asked a bunch of questions and we both decided that it was in my best interest to not to the taxotere chemo.
So, for now, I feel great and will for the next couple of weeks. Which is a good thing because I am going back to work at the Chive Blossom next week. I don't know about you, but that darn money tree I planted has yet to bear fruit. And all those creditors just don't seem to care that you have no money. So, it is back to work for me. That is another reason I am not doing the burning chemo. Who wants a leper waiting on them? I mean, I have lots of white gloves, but that would be a little strange - however, I just might have to resort to the "white glove treatment" if I have to do the burn chemo.
Cancer really does suck.
My cancer killer and I discussed doing another chemo. This is one she uses on her "elderly" patients. She said it was not the best for the type of cancer I have. But, my body evidently does not like the taxotere and she said I would experience the burns every time I have it. So, I have decided to not do the taxotere and go with the old people chemo. I don't care if I have to have additional treatments. I am not going through this every time I have chemo. I have to work and cannot do it if I look like a leper.
On a brighter note, my sister, Camille, came to visit me last weekend. I felt pretty good except for the leprosy thing. She even went with me to the doctor.
Then, because I did not have chemo and felt good, Darya and the girls came to see me this past weekend. Talk about great therapy. Little Salym is walking now and so cute. Her sisters, Sydney and Savannah, spoil her. But you just can't help yourself she is so cute. Sydney, who is 11, and two of her friends are writing a book. I will keep you posted on it. Savannah is still the cutest cheerleader you ever saw. We had a great visit. We even had a dinner party Sunday night for some friends. Some of Darya's friends from school. They still come to the house and hang out. I love it!!!!!!
Darya went to the doctor with me on Monday. She asked a bunch of questions and we both decided that it was in my best interest to not to the taxotere chemo.
So, for now, I feel great and will for the next couple of weeks. Which is a good thing because I am going back to work at the Chive Blossom next week. I don't know about you, but that darn money tree I planted has yet to bear fruit. And all those creditors just don't seem to care that you have no money. So, it is back to work for me. That is another reason I am not doing the burning chemo. Who wants a leper waiting on them? I mean, I have lots of white gloves, but that would be a little strange - however, I just might have to resort to the "white glove treatment" if I have to do the burn chemo.
Cancer really does suck.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Round 4/Plan Nine
The results of my MUGA scan showed some difference in my heart. My Cancer Killer and I discussed it and decided to not have the last round of the red chemo. It could lead to congestive heart failure and I already have enough heart problems in my family without adding this to it. So this time it was taxotere and the c one. I can't remember their names. Don't want to.
I worked again on Monday and Tuesday night. I had a closing on Wednesday and was having lunch with Susan and Kathryn to celebrate Kathryn's 21st birthday (ha ha). By the time the closing was over I was fading fast. I went home and went right to bed. That night I was kept awake by this terrible pain in all my joints and bones. I kept taking extra strength tylenol but nothing worked. By the next morning I could not walk. My feet hurt so badly all I could do was cry. I am not a wussy but this really hurt. I finally remembered I had some pain pills left over from my surgery. I started taking them every 4 hours. I have to tell you that this pain was really really bad. I was still in pain when I went for my lab work on Monday. My Dr. said the pain was caused by the neulasta shot. We are going to try not doing it next time and see how my blood counts are. I am being totally honest with you - I can't take much more of this. The bone pain is gone but now I have something wrong with my feet - they burn and it hurts to walk. I have cried and prayed more in the past few days than since I was diagnosed. I just want it to all stop and I want my life back. I am tired of being tired and hurting. And, unless you have gone through this, you really don't know how I feel. No one can prepare you for all this. If they did, you would not go through it. I want to quit right now. I don't want to do any more chemo. I know that I will, but I don't want to. My fingernails hurt. I am sure they will be falling out soon. Cancer Rocks.
I worked again on Monday and Tuesday night. I had a closing on Wednesday and was having lunch with Susan and Kathryn to celebrate Kathryn's 21st birthday (ha ha). By the time the closing was over I was fading fast. I went home and went right to bed. That night I was kept awake by this terrible pain in all my joints and bones. I kept taking extra strength tylenol but nothing worked. By the next morning I could not walk. My feet hurt so badly all I could do was cry. I am not a wussy but this really hurt. I finally remembered I had some pain pills left over from my surgery. I started taking them every 4 hours. I have to tell you that this pain was really really bad. I was still in pain when I went for my lab work on Monday. My Dr. said the pain was caused by the neulasta shot. We are going to try not doing it next time and see how my blood counts are. I am being totally honest with you - I can't take much more of this. The bone pain is gone but now I have something wrong with my feet - they burn and it hurts to walk. I have cried and prayed more in the past few days than since I was diagnosed. I just want it to all stop and I want my life back. I am tired of being tired and hurting. And, unless you have gone through this, you really don't know how I feel. No one can prepare you for all this. If they did, you would not go through it. I want to quit right now. I don't want to do any more chemo. I know that I will, but I don't want to. My fingernails hurt. I am sure they will be falling out soon. Cancer Rocks.
CHRISTMAS
The week of Christmas was my good week. I drove to Charlotte on Wednesday, followed by Richard. He always spends the 23rd with the family. We had such a wonderful time. Richard and Darya made this incredible shrimp casserole and we played games with the girls and enjoyed watching little Salym taking steps. Richard had to leave the next day to spend time with his family. Darya was hosting the DelCorro clan for Christmas this year so they started arriving on Christmas eve. Kelly, Junior and his friend Mary came. We made chicken marsala and had another great evening playing games, etc. Christmas day was wonderful. Sydney and Savannah were so excited by their gifts. Even Salym knew which ones were for her from Santa. She went right to them. Darry and Chris arrived that afternoon. They all stayed at Darya's while we went to John's mom's for Christmas with his family. It was great. By this time I was really tired. Darya drove me home and I took a nap. I know this family and I was not going to miss out on all the fun by having to go to bed. So I got up around 9 and we laughed, ate, played games and had a large time.
I had to leave on Saturday. I did get to see Susie and Ken and Christin and Michael before I left. I was so tired driving home I just wanted to get to Garden City. By the time I unpacked the car, unpacked all my stuff, it was 6:30. I decided to lay down for a little while. I woke up at 9 the next morning.
Chemo robs all your energy - it takes so long to do the simplest things. I don't think I will ever take for granted doing things like I used to.
I had to leave on Saturday. I did get to see Susie and Ken and Christin and Michael before I left. I was so tired driving home I just wanted to get to Garden City. By the time I unpacked the car, unpacked all my stuff, it was 6:30. I decided to lay down for a little while. I woke up at 9 the next morning.
Chemo robs all your energy - it takes so long to do the simplest things. I don't think I will ever take for granted doing things like I used to.
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